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The people that come to see me have chronic health problems that are not getting better by themselves. I've been a full time medical herbalist in Christchurch since 1989 - which is a way of saying that I'm a middle-man for Nature! The reason I have a busy practice is that most of the people that see me eventually get better and then tell their friends and family to come. Have a look at my website - it's there to inform, not to sell. Call my assistant on 356-1118 if you want to see me and I will be happy to help.
What is herbal medicine?
At the heart of the practice of herbal medicine is the understanding that our bodies and our minds have an incredible, almost miraculous ability to heal themselves from injury and illness.
Herbal medicine is not simply treating symptoms, which is largely the role of drugs that are better taken for short periods of acute need.
The health problems that herbalists see are typically long-standing. They often involve a weakness of imbalance of one or more of the body's core systems.
Taking herbal medicines slowly but surely builds a tonic, healing response from within. The right herbs, used in the right dosage, can have a phenomenal effect on a person's health.
History
Herbs were our very first medicines. Leaves, flowers, berries, roots and barks have been the subjects of an on-going clnical trial for at least 40,000 years! Humans have tried and discarded countless thousands of remedies from nature. The generations have preserved the knowledge of the herbs that have reliably eased our suffering and returned us to health.
Today
Today the World Health Organisation recognises that herbs are by far the most widespread form of medicine used on our planet. The great test of time has proven which herbal medicines work. Now the tests of science are helping us to understand how they work, in the process new possibilities are constantly coming to light.
What to expect.
When someone comes to see me they need to allow a good hour for their first visit. The main thing I focus on at the beginning is what is troubling them the most right now. Then we go from there to fill in the picture of how it all started and what else has been happening. I talk with people and I also talk with their bodies by listening to their pulse, looking at their tongue and analysing their blood (more about that below). Based on all this I work out what are the right herbs for that person and also do my best to give just one piece of good advice as to what they might best do to help themselves along the way.
Just about everyone has to come back for a second visit, many need a third... some people need more support than others and there are no fixed protocols but, and this might seem strange, the truth is that I actually want people to need as few visits as possible and to have to take as little medicine away with them as possible! I say strange because you would think I was in business to get lots of repeat business and sell lots of herbs but I learned a long time ago that if you're just there for healing and you make that your one and only true agenda then everything else takes care of itself -- it does too...
Diagnostic services
- History
Pulse and tongue diagnosis
- Live blood analysis
- Cholesterol testing
- On the spot tests
History
What has happened in the past often gives much insight into what is happening now. For many of us, our biography becomes our biology.
If you have detailed information to convey about your medical history, you are welcome to make some notes to bring to your appointment. If you have past medical reports or lab tests, you are welcome to bring them too.
Pulse and tongue diagnosis
Pulse and tongue diagnosis are an integral part of my diagnostic work-up.
All doctors of the past were herbalists and we had to figure out what was going on without lab tests. The arts of tongue and pulse diagnosis were at the forefront of every medical tradition – from the ancient Greek to the Chinese, Indian and Arabian traditions. They are just as valuable tools now as ever.
Live blood analysis
Live blood analysis is an especially useful tool for getting an impression of the overall health of an individual.
It is not used to diagnose illness or disease but rather is an aid, similar to the tongue and the pulse, that helps us to better understand what is going on.
Blood is an amazing diagnostic medium. Every drop of blood is the same as all the other drops. Looking at the blood whilst it is still live is a true 'window' into the body and in many cases I greatly rely on what it can show me, both before and after treatments.
Cholesterol testing
For some patients, depending on their age and general health, we might choose to measure the cholesterol levels from the same finger prick used for the microscope. The machine I use has been given the highest possible accuracy standards by the NZQA. It measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Trigylcerides and the test results are available within a few minutes.
Coagulation testing
Again for some people some of the time I will run another test from the same finger prick that looks at how the blood is clotting and whether there is a risk of forming blood clots. The results for this test are also ready there and then.
Haemoglobin (Iron levels)
A low level of iron in the blood is by far the most common deficiency that people can get and again this simple and inexpensive test is able to be done quickly and immediately.
On the spot tests
There are a number of other simple procedures that can help fill in the picture when required. They include reading blood pressure, temperature testing, blood sugar tests, blood iron levels, blood oxygen levels, hydrogen testing from the breath (useful for assessing bacterial overgrowth in the gut) and physical examination of the spine and abdomen.
Clinic Fees
First appointment $85.00
Longer follow-up appointments $65.00
Shorter follow-up appointments $45.00
Diagnostic Services:
Lipid Panel (cholesterols) $20.00*
Blood Microscopy Analysis $15.00
Coagulation (risk of clots) $10.00*
Haemoglobin (iron level) $5.00*
*cost price for the disposable materials used in these tests
Prescription medicines
We operate a fully stocked herbal dispensary as an integral part of our clinical practice. Most of the medicines are made on the premises starting from the highest grade raw dried herb material.
All prescription medicines are charged as per what it costs the clinic to manufacture or buy-in ready made products and then add an ethical mark-up. We cannot say in advance what the cost of medicines will come to as people have widely different needs but in general it can be said that the great majority of treatment costs get less rather than more with time.
Payment
It is appreciated if fees are paid at the time of the appointment though we also accept payment by internet banking within a few days. Eftpos is available (including Visa and Mastercard credit cards),
Hours
We are open every week from Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 5:30pm.
For more information or to organise an appointment call 03 356-1118
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
- Diploma in Medical Herbalism
and enough certificates to wallpaper a WC- Registered member of the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists
Service Categories
Allergy Testing / Treatments, Children’s Health, Herbalists, Mens Health, Natural Fertility Management, Naturopaths, Nutrition, Womens Health
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